Arctic Root
Rhodiola Rosea, also called Arctic Root or Golden Root, is a perennial herb with potent adaptogenic properties. There are two major constituents in Rhodiola that are believed to be responsible for its beneficial effects on the body, they are Salidroside and Rosavin. You will find Rhodiola preparations standardized on various constituents, Salidroside and Rosavin being the most common. You will also see Rhodiola standardized on Polyphenols which, in my opinion, is not the ideal method of standardization. When choosing a Rhodiola preparation look for something that is standardized to 5.0% Rosavins and 3% Salidrosides for best results.
Rhodiola Rosea is used primarily as an adaptogen to combat stress and improve mood. A 2022 National Institute of Health study shows that the plant has much more potential than previously realized. “Rhodiola rosea L. has a well-established use in the traditional medicinal systems of the Nordic countries, Eastern Europe and Asia, with a reputation for enhancing mental and physical performance, decreasing symptoms of fatigue and depression, increasing work productivity, and providing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, among others. Current research has clearly established R. rosea as a phytomedicinal plant with adaptogenic effects, which is able to enhance the body’s non-specific resilience to physical and mental stresses and normalize its functions. Stress has been associated with an increased incidence of numerous health disorders of the neuroendocrine-immune system, from milder physiological conditions such as a decrease in physical and mental capacity and a sensation of weakness, to more concerning health conditions such as anxiety, depression, fatigue and burnout, cardiovascular and reproductive disfunctions. The long history of medicinal use and the extensive pre-clinical and clinical research into its stimulant and stress-protective properties have undoubtably validated the effectivity of using R. rosea L. to address all the above-mentioned stress-induced conditions and disorders.”
While most people take Rhodiola rosea for its positive effects on mental well-being, its effects are more far-reaching. Rhodiola benefits the immune system by upregulating antioxidant enzymes and can induce Apoptosis (pre-programmed cell death) in cancer cells. Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center says: “In vitro studies suggest that salidroside, a key constituent, confers neuroprotective effects via NO pathway inhibition, induces antioxidant enzymes thioredoxin, heme oxygenase-1, and peroxiredoxin-I; downregulates proapoptotic Bax protein; and upregulates antiapoptotic Bcl-XL proteins. Rhodiola constituents may also have synergistic antioxidant activity and potential antidepressant effects may be due to inhibition of monoamine oxidases A and B. In human breast cancer cells, salidroside induced cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis via mechanisms as yet unidentified, but independent of the estrogen receptor.”
The Health Benefits of Rhodiola:
CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM
• May prevent Arrhythmias.
• May prevent Atherosclerosis.
• Can improve Blood Circulation to the Muscles and Brain.
• Can lower Blood Pressure in patients with Hypertension by inhibiting the action of Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE).
• Helps protect the Heart against Stress-induced damage.
• Can prevent Ventricular Fibrillation.
HEARING
• Hearing ability may be improved by supplementation by improving air-bone conduction of speech tones.
IMMUNE SYSTEM
• May help to prevent various forms of Cancer and extends life span in patients with existing Cancer.
• May reduce the incidence of Bladder Cancer.
• Reduces Inflammation.
• May inhibit the replication of the Influenza Virus.
• Helps improve the function of the Thymus Gland and prevents age-related atrophy of the Thymus.
METABOLISM
• Helps alleviate Altitude Sickness.
• Possesses potent Antioxidant properties.
• C-Reactive Protein (CRP) levels can be reduced by supplementation.
• Helps to lower Elevated Blood Sugar in Diabetes Mellitus Type 1 & 2 patients.
• Enhances Energy production in the body.
• Enhances function of the Mitochondria.
• Improves post-Exercise recovery.
• Improves Stamina in persons engaged in Endurance Exercise.
• Fatigue may be prevented/alleviated by supplementation.
• Enhances the production of Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP).
• Can prevent/improve symptoms of Hypoglycemia.
• Enhances Liver function and can prevent damage to the Liver from certain Toxins.
• Improves Thyroid function.
• Helps facilitate the repair of damaged Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA).
MUSCULOSKELETAL
• May help to improve Muscle Strength.
NERVOUS SYSTEM
• Can alleviate Anxiety.
• Helps increase Attention Span.
• Acts as a Central Nervous System stimulant.
• Concentration can be improved by supplementation.
• Helps relieve Depression due to its influence on Neurotransmitters in the Brain.
• Enhances function of the Hypothalamus.
• Helps improve Short-Term Memory.
• Sleep quality can be improved by supplementation.
• Reduces the toxic effects of Stress.
• Enhances Serotonin production.
• Helps to increase Beta-Endorphin levels.
SEXUAL SYSTEM (Female)
• Helps to improve Sexual Performance and Libido.
SEXUAL SYSTEM (Male)
• Helps to improve Sexual Performance and Libido.
• Male Impotence may be alleviated with supplementation.
• May alleviate Premature Ejaculation.
Health Benefits of Rhodiola Rosea
USAGE
Rhodiola Rosea is best taken in the morning with water on an empty stomach at least 30-60 minutes prior to a meal. The typical therapeutic dosage of Rhodiola extract is 250-750mg.
My Personal Recommendations:
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic Rhodiola extracts containing 5% Rosavins have been in short supply and are widely unavailable. Below are the best substitutions I could find. When the 5% extracts become available again I will update the links.
Rhodiola (AKA: Arctic Root, Golden Root)
Rhodiola Rosea Extract 3% – 500mg
Rhodiola Rosea Extract 3% – Powder
To supercharge the effects of Rhodiola Rosea try combining it with Ashwagandha.
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